“Newhouse gave me all the technical and journalism skills I use on a daily basis.”

How did you land your job? I have some friends and family in that part of Illinois who heard I was looking for a job in radio and suggested I try WLPO. They had a listing on their website and I applied.

What are your job responsibilities? Anchoring newscasts and weather forecasts, talking about the station’s music and keeping the conversation going with listeners. Also, writing stories, getting interviews to provide sound bytes for stories, covering trials, city councils, school boards. Pretty much anything I’m needed for.

How do you feel Newhouse prepared you for your job?Newhouse gave me all the technical and journalism skills I use on a daily basis. In addition, it taught me how to work in a high-pressure, tight-deadline environment.

Brad Spelich G'15

Why did you select Newhouse for graduate studies?Newhouse seemed to be the best in the country for journalism. I knew I could get an education that would be unmatched anywhere else.

What is unique about your graduate program?We were the first to use the Dick Clark Studios, and had so many unique opportunities for growth as we all became journalists. As a class, we became our own news team in which everyone was able to contribute. In that sense, I would say the teamwork was unique about my program.

Describe your most valuable/significant experience at Newhouse.During the summer capstone when our class was tasked with putting together eight newscasts per week. That was the first time I started to realize the journalist I had become, and started to see what was possible with a Newhouse education. I think the reason I’m still succeeding in broadcasting started from that experience.

Is there a professor or class that you would recommend?Professor John Nicholson. He gave me an immeasurable amount of valuable feedback that I still apply when I’m doing newscasts, and a lot of advice that has helped with navigating the industry in general.

Best on-campus memory or activity? Hanging out in the studio in the summer when my class didn’t have newscasts. I ended up doing a few jobs that weren’t part of our set rotation, like floor managing, just because someone was needed to fill in. Plus I was able to head over to Funk ‘n Waffles for lunch which can’t be beat.

What advice do you have for current or incoming students?

Show up ready to work because it’s a wild ride from the first day. Also, be prepared to accept low grades on your assignments. But don't be discouraged, it all comes together, just not right away.